PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should be more concerned heading into their Hyundai AFF Cup Group B match against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium tonight.
The Harimau Malaya have played a game more than their rivals after wins over Myanmar and Laos, and sit top of the group.
While Thailand may be second after having only played and beaten Laos in their opening fixture, they could have the edge of having conserved more energy.
But interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe has a different take on the situation.
He said that the additional game time has provided his squad with the advantage to develop better cohesion.
“The players’ understanding, chemistry, relationships, and combinations are improving with each match,” he said during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
Previously, the coach had expressed concerns about his team’s ability to penetrate Laos’ low block, as they struggled throughout the first half.
Captain Paulo Josue’s goal before half-time provided the team with renewed confidence to win the game 4-0.
Cheng Hoe conceded that the level of competition tonight will be higher than their previous encounters.
“They (Thailand) are one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia and have many experienced and technically gifted players.”
More than the result, Cheng Hoe said that the game will prove to be a great learning experience for his boys.
“We have many young players, and this will be an excellent experience for them. It will help their development.”
Cheng Hoe, however, also acknowledged that the demanding schedule could potentially impact his players’ fitness, as this will be their third game in a week.
“I cannot deny that our players are not yet in their best physical condition because of the demanding schedule.”
The additional game time has already claimed its first victim in midfielder Endrick dos Santos after he was ruled out of the game due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.
Meanwhile, naturalised playmaker Sergio Aguero believes that the team are improving and he looks forward to playing Thailand due to their similar tactics.
“We’ve improved considerably. Our fitness and understanding are getting better with every match,’’ he said.
“It will be entertaining because we have similar playing styles.”
